Swimmer' s Ear Otitis Externa Symptoms & Treatments Johns Hopkins Medicine COVID-19 Updates Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses Testing Patient Care Visitor Guidelines Coronavirus Email Alerts Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. CloseSearch Submit Search Popular Searches coronavirus careers medical records map insurance accepted telemedicine Menu Health Swimmer' s Ear Otitis Externa Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Pinterest Share via Email Print this Page What is swimmer s ear otitis externa Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the external ear canal. Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria. Water that remains trapped in the ear canal (when swimming, for example) may provide a source for the growth of bacteria and fungi. What causes swimmer's ear? Many different factors can increase your child's chance of developing swimmer's ear. As the name implies, one of the factors is excessive wetness as with swimming, although it can occur without swimming. Other possible causes of this infection include the following: Being in warm, humid places Harsh cleaning of the ear canal Trauma to the ear canal Dry ear canal skin Foreign body in the ear canal Excess cerumen (ear wax) Eczema and other forms of dermatitis Swimmer s Ear Symptoms  The following are the most common symptoms of swimmer's ear. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Redness of the outer ear Itching in the ear Pain, especially when touching or wiggling the ear lobe that may spread to the head, neck, or side of the face Drainage from the ear Swollen glands in the upper neck or around the ear Swollen ear canal Muffled hearing or hearing loss Full or plugged-up feeling in the ear Fever The symptoms of swimmer's ear may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your child's health care provider for a diagnosis. Swimmer s Ear Diagnosis  Swimmer's ear may be diagnosed with a complete medical history and physical examination by your child's health care provider. He or she may use an otoscope, a lighted instrument that helps to examine the ear and to aid in the diagnosis of ear disorders. This will help your child's health care provider know if there is also an infection in the middle ear, called otitis media. Although this infection usually does not occur with swimmer's ear, some children may have both types of infections. Your child's health care provider may also take a culture of the drainage from the ear to help determine proper treatment. Swimmer s Ear Treatment  Swimmer's ear, when properly treated by a health care provider, usually clears up within seven to 10 days. Specific treatment for swimmer's ear will be determined by your child's health care provider based on: Your child's age, overall health, and medical history Extent of the condition Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the condition Your opinion or preference Treatment may include Antibiotic ear drops Corticosteroid ear drops (to help decrease the swelling) Pain medication Keeping the ear dry, as directed by your child's health care provider How to Prevent Swimmer s Ear  The following are some hints to help prevent swimmer's ear: Use ear plugs for swimming or bathing. Do not aggressively clean your child's ear canal. Johns Hopkins Pediatric Otolaryngology Our pediatric otolaryngologists are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for children with ear, nose, and throat conditions. As part of the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, you have access to all the specialized resources of a children's hospital. Your child will also benefit from experts who use advanced techniques to treat both common and rare conditions. Learn more about the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Otolaryngology Find a Doctor Specializing In: Pediatric Otolaryngology Diseases of the Throat in Children At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Find a Treatment Center Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT) General Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Care Find Additional Treatment Centers at: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Related Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Ear Infections in Babies and Toddlers Cleft Lip and Palate Request an Appointment Find a Doctor Find a Doctor See More Related Swimmer's Ear Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Otitis Media Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Pediatric Ear Infections in Babies and Toddlers Related Topics